Opinion: Bring Gothenburg’s Floating Gardens to Life

The sea, river, and lakes form the unique lifeblood of our city. This proximity to water is a gift—one that, if carefully nurtured, could greatly enrich our quality of life. Imagine Gothenburg’s floating gardens: a landmark for a responsible future where ecosystem services and recreation take center stage. This vision was presented by architect Jacob Sahlqvist and landscape architect Louise Didriksson in an op-ed published in mid-October in Göteborgs-Posten, one of Sweden’s largest newspapers.

Urbanization and densification often come at the expense of nature. According to the Swedish Geotechnical Institute, cities in Sweden have lost approximately 7% of their green spaces over the past decade due to densification—a troubling trend.

Being in green spaces is essential for our well-being. Green environments reduce cortisol levels, lower heart rates, and ease anxiety. They also encourage more active and social lifestyles. But greenery isn’t just vital for our health; it plays a crucial role in helping cities manage the effects of climate change and combat biodiversity loss.

As Gothenburg grows, interest in urban nature is increasing. There’s much talk about connecting the city closer to the water, but we propose going further. We envision Gothenburg’s Floating Gardens – a river park where architecture creates a spectacular experience in harmony with nature. Gothenburg is already recognized as the world’s most sustainable destination, yet many of its landmarks are rooted in another era. Isn’t it time for a modern landmark? One that positions Gothenburg as a global pioneer in blue-green environments?

We see the vision clearly: lush islands floating along the River Göta, bridging the old and new city. Here, spaces for recreation, urban farming, cultural experiences, ecotourism, and biodiversity can flourish.

A place where nature and the city’s blue areas come together to purify the air, reduce noise, and even cool the city during future heatwaves. So, what are we waiting for?

Floating architecture isn’t new – humans have long looked to water for inspiration. In today’s densified cities, the idea is more relevant than ever. Cities around the world are now exploring artificial islands, often focusing on ecosystem services.

Projects like Malaysia’s urban lily pads near Penang Island, Copenhagen’s small-scale Parkipelago, and New York’s Little Island on the Hudson River, with its 350 plant species and amphitheater, all demonstrate the possibilities. And, of course, there’s Singapore’s renowned Gardens by the Bay, blending greenery and recreation in an urban setting.

By 2025, all Swedish municipalities are required to prioritize ecosystem services and urban greenery, in line with Sweden’s environmental quality goals. Gothenburg is no exception, with its city budget calling for the protection of green and blue corridors to create health-promoting environments, beautiful urban spaces, and ensure biodiversity on land and water. In Gothenburg’s future, sustainable living on the water should be a given.

However, proximity to water brings challenges. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has identified Gothenburg as a high-risk area for flooding. Over this century, Gothenburg must prepare for significantly rising water levels during heavy rains. The Floating Gardens can bolster flood resilience and, if properly designed, contribute to shoreline protection. Today’s concrete, steel, and stone riverbanks could transform into ecological corridors with greenery, shallow bays, and reeds, creating zones rich in biodiversity.

The Floating Gardens can also serve as a meeting point where industrial heritage and nature coexist. Much like New York’s High Line Park – built on an old rail line above Manhattan – Gothenburg’s Floating Gardens could transform the city’s industrial legacy into something truly flourishing.

The River Room is ready to embrace a new urban park – a shared, floating garden. The benefits of this idea are numerous, but the most important one is clear: Gothenburg’s Floating Gardens will enhance our quality of life. A modern-day Hanging Gardens of Babylon for Gothenburgers – a blue-green investment in well-being. And it’s entirely achievable.

Jacob Sahlqvist, Office Director and Architect, White Arkitekter
Louise Didriksson, Landscape Architect and Development Lead, White Arkitekter

 

Louise Didriksson

Louise Didriksson

Landscape architect, Development manager

Göteborg

+46 31 60 87 24

Jacob Sahlqvist

Jacob Sahlqvist

Architect, Office director

Göteborg

+46 31 60 86 66

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